Being black and disabled are characteristics which are frequently rejected by the larger society. When counselors and black disabled clients come together, they usually bring different life experiences because of physical abilities and race. There may be more similarities if both the client and counselor are disabled or both are of the same race. When counselors encounter clients who are different, they are confronted with obstacles which may be referred to as dispositional and situational variables. Dispositional barriers refer to personal feelings, attitudes, and self-perceptions which counselors and clients have. Situational barriers are relevant to personal circumstances. The last barrier concerns human relations skills; according to previous reearch deceptive and defensive techniques are used by blacks, indicating that blacks have strong fears of failure and fear of expressing genuine emotions. These techniques prevent others from removing social barriers. When working with these clients, counselors should demonstrate: (1) unconditional positive regard; (2) enabling characteristics; (3) knowledge of jargon used by blacks, discriminatory practices, and community resources; (4) interest in clients' progress; (5) acceptance of the client; (6) congruence between verbal and non-verbal communication; (7) openness; and (8) altruism. Finally, counselors should be humble in their omnipotence. (ABL)